Week in Reflection

​Class of 2018: Parting Wisdom From Your Principal

During the last year or so, after your parents first realized that the rest of your life had inexplicably sped past, they tried not to be obvious. But maybe you noticed. In spite of all that you were going through in school, sports, and even at work, your family tried to slow the calendar, stop the clock. They were trying, of course, to hang on to you.The very thing that they committed to year’s ago- rearing, raising, training you for independence- your parents now began to fear. I’m sure some may have been emotional; they may have been firm, or even built walls between you. Every sign that indicated you had learned and matured and were ready to face the world only reminded them how young you seemed.But your parents couldn’t run from the truth. You were leaving and the day was coming soon. Some of your parents may have been so desperate to hang on that they couldn’t even exult in your growth and progress. Why, you ask, a lot of it was due to your maddening independence, that I-can-do-it-myself attitude that reminded both of them so much of their own adolescence, or even that look that asked, “Why do you have to know everything?” or “What does it matter to you?” may have cemented in their aching heart the truth: You had become your own person.It’s what they had wanted. But, your time together this year went by too quickly. There may have been days when they didn’t want it at all. Yet, throughout all the fights over applications, and deadlines, your parents knew that this was for the best. It’s time. And maybe from their perspective, there will never be a good time. Your parents have realized that the longer they hang on to you, the more they protect you from the real world. If you don’t jump in, you’ll never find yourself. And so they must nudge you from the nest.Seeing you leave for college or your career may remind them of the first time they let you go in the water. Only this time they are not going to be at arm’s length, ready to grab as you panic. They will not stand by with reassuring words that say, “I’m just seeing if you can float alone.” For this is the real thing. Your parents will let you go; you will be on your own, and they will back away.The other metaphor that may come to mind is your first time on two wheels. Mom or dad ran along beside, reaching, adjusting, holding the seat, helping you gain momentum and speed. Soon you were on your wobbly way, unable to turn, riding through puddles, over curbs, slowing to painful, tumbling stops before leaping up to try again.Now they will give your two-wheeler one last shove and watch. No more running alongside. You had enough of that. You won’t admit it, but there will be times when you whirl around expecting your parents to be there. They won't be, and you will think twice about calling, about asking to be bailed out of a jam.There will be bumps and bruises and as much as they would like to protect you from them, your parents will walk away to see you grow. You may be swindled, maybe even endangered because of your own innocence. Your parents could intervene, could warn you, or could slow you on a headlong path to believing someone because “he seemed like a great guy, or she seemed like a great girl.” They could urge you to let time be the test of relationships, to think twice, even three times, before investing in anything. But you must learn from your own mistakes.Your parents and teachers know because they have been there. We all have gone against our own better judgment, so why shouldn’t you? Even I knew better, or should have. I have been told enough times by my own parents. But some things you must learn on your own. You may fail, and you will kick yourself and wonder why you forged ahead. There will come a time that you will know that your life was shaped by the lessons you could learn only from your own mistakes.Graduates of 2018, I am at an age, where I finally can realize the wisdom, encouragement, and love that a parent gives to a child. As a parent of two beautiful daughters--the love shared between parents to their children is never a superficial root that may drive you away from their love, but a permanent foundation that grants you the opportunity to blossom into an adult. You must realize that as you transition into a new chapter of your life, your parents, brothers, sisters, and even your friends are going through the same transition. I know that your parents are so proud of you. Even through the good and bad times of this year, you have grown in such a way that radiates the beauty of every one of you.

Graduates, look around. You are so gifted and talented. Your class emulates success. Academically, athletically, socially, and within the community, Your parents, and teachers have watched you grow daily and we are so proud to honor you today in your accomplishments. Many people state that you are the future. You are more than that. You Are The Strength Of Today.

Forever in my heart, Mr. Murray

​Senior Events

Senior Guidelines

Because we expect proper behavior from our students at all times, seniors should remember that they are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other students while they are present on school property or participating in any school-sponsored activity. It is important for seniors to understand that in order to discourage practical jokes of any kind; typical senior pranks will result in disciplinary intervention from the administration. Should this occur it would mean that the individual(s) involved may not be eligible to participate in graduation exercises. After 13 years of hard work (K-12), this would be a very grave consequence for the student, the parents, and the school. Our goal and objective is to see each senior walk across our stage at commencement and receive his/her high school diploma with dignity and pride.

Graduation Rehearsal

Because commencement exercises are conducted in a formal, ceremonial fashion, it is mandatory that all seniors be in attendance for rehearsal. *Seniors who do not attend rehearsal will not be permitted to participate in the graduationceremony. Rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, May 25, 2018, at CHS beginning promptly at 7:30 a.m. in the gym. After practicing in the gym, the seniors will board buses to Mentor Fine Arts Auditorium.

Transportation to practice is by school bus only. NO student will be permitted to drive to Mentor.

Because there is so much organizing to be done to make the ceremony a positive experience, we need to have the cooperation of all students involved.

All seniors will be transported by school bus.

Any recognized class activity will be planned, supervised and chaperoned by school staff. If questions arise regarding any activity, please do not hesitate to call Chardon High School.

Class Picnic

A senior class picnic will be held. (students must find their own transportation to and from the picnic.)

NOTE:

Seniors are reminded that it is necessary to pass the last nine weeks and/or the final exam plus have a passing average in a course to receive credit. Failure to meet these requirements in courses required for graduation will result in being ineligible for a diploma in May. Students will not be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremony. Further clarification is found on page 108/109 of the Student Handbook.

Graduation Exercises

Graduation exercises will be held at Mentor Fine Arts on Route 615 in Mentor on Saturday, May 26, at 2:00 p.m. This should eliminate weather concerns while providing an atmosphere conducive to the dignity commencement should have. Each seniorwill receive four tickets to be issued at commencement practice on Friday, May 25, 2018. We will have a very limited number of extra tickets. Extra tickets will be limited to fourper student. To reserve extra tickets, please call Mrs. Sprinzl at 285-4057 ext. 1262 or email at jen.sprinzl@chardonschools.org. Tickets are first come, first served.

Delinquent Obligations

Because all students are expected to meet their responsibilities and obligations as members of our school, seniors are reminded that all deficiencies and/or delinquent obligations (i.e. required credits, class work, fees, library fines, activity fees, textbooks, detentions, suspensions, etc.) are to be taken care of prior to the commencement practice. Students will not be permitted to participate in commencement unless all obligations have been met.

Transcripts/Scholarships

All seniors will fill out a Final Transcript Request form via Naviance.

The Audience

In order for any graduation program to be completely successful, the audience too must play a particular role in the proceedings

Dignity and decorum are the order of the day.

Disruptive or any other such loud behavior is considered inappropriate at a commencement ceremony.

As a courtesy to our graduates, parents, and guests, we ask parents of young children to make some arrangements for leaving these little ones at home.

Kids will be Kids

But...it is important for seniors to remember that, although they are finished with the coursework at Chardon High School, they are still members of the student body and, as such, must comply with all school rules and regulations. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action, which would require suspension from the formal graduation exercises.

It is important to remember that commencement ceremonies are not only for the honored graduates, but also for mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others who attend and regard this ceremony as a serious and dignified occasion. Caps thrown into the air, unnecessary clapping, whistling, or any disruptive behavior only takes away from the dignity they expect. If for no other reason, consider...your Senior Awards Program and Commencement are two of the most important memories you will have. Please make them events of which you, your parents and your school will be extremely proud.

Guidelines for Proper Attire

- take pride in your appearance -

Because, in a formal ceremony, all participants are dressed in some type of specific regalia or uniform, proper attire is to be worn by all potential graduates during any of the graduation exercises. To be dressed properly, please note the following:

·Caps are always worn flat on top of the head, with the point of the cap centered in the middle of the forehead. Caps are never worn at the back of the head.

·Tassels are worn on the right side of the cap until such time as commencement honors are bestowed upon the graduates.

·Gowns should be approximately 10” from the floor (please hem if necessary).

·Gowns should be pressed before being worn to any of the graduation exercises.

·NHS Members who end the school year in good standing may wear Honor Chords displayed appropriately over their gowns.

After graduation ceremonies, caps and gowns are yours to keep as a memento of the occasion. Any student not participating in graduation ceremonies will receive a refund of cap and gown payment.

Students not dressed in proper attire will not be permitted to participate in the formal graduation ceremony on commencement day.

NOTE: Students will be permitted to wear only one tassel with their cap and gown during the formal ceremony. No flowers, signs, jewelry or other additions are permitted on cap and gown.

Pictures

As a courtesy to the graduates and special guests, we will ask members of the audience to take pictures from their seats only.

Baccalaureate

Baccalaureate services are by definition religious in nature. Designed by graduates, this ceremony is a non-denominational religious service at a local Chardon church. This voluntary activity will be held Friday, May 25, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North Street, Chardon, Ohio.

Prom

Prom is May 19, 6-11 PM, at the Croatian Hall in Eastlake.The theme is the Roarin' 20's and the junior class prom committee has been working hard the past five months planning every intricate detail!

In order to promote a healthy, safe, enjoyable evening for all students, the following procedures will be in place for the school dance. We encourage families to discuss these rules together.

EXPECTED STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Students will follow all applicable school rules as outlined in the CHS Student Handbook.

Students will show respect and be courteous towards all students, faculty, and chaperones.

The manner of dancing will be appropriate for a school function, and monitored strictly.

Any student or guest suspected of being under the influence of any controlled substance, or in possession of tobacco or any controlled substance, is subject to removal from the dance, emergency removal, and criminal prosecution.

CONSEQUENCES

Students violating the CHS Dance Code of Conduct will be given one verbal warning and their wristband will be removed by a faculty member. With their second warning, they will be asked to leave the dance. There will be norefunds given for students asked to leave before the end of the dance.

Removal from the dance may affect future school disciplinary action, and/or school dance privileges.

In my four years with these procedures in place--we have not had a single problem.

Prom Court Videos

Rob Hemly and Marissa Perrico

Drew Cressman and Sarah Eisenhart

Casey Fisher and Natasha Paros-Gaser

Natalie and John

Sydni and Connor

No video available, yet they wanted you to know that their video was the personalized love that they shared with each of their friends this year.

Broadcast: 2018 Chardon High School Prom Assembly

Date: Friday, May 18th at 9:30am

2018 Chardon High School Prom Assembly from Chardon High School's gymnasium

Underclass Exams

As we prepare for the many celebrations at the end of a school year, we wanted to share with you a quick reference guide to help assist you with the countless calendars that you manage. It is hard to believe that we are days away from exams, commencement, and the beginning of summer break.

The second semester ends on May 24th this year. In order to meet the curricular needs of the students, we had to be creative with the exam schedules. Many departments shared that maximizing the exam schedule for senior projects, exams, and presentations would minimize the disruptions to their target outcomes in their curriculum.

Providing the best opportunities for student success is at the core of why I serve in education. Over the last week, I have been discussing the underclass exam schedule with staff and students. Several months ago, the Scheduling Task Force created the bell schedule with the exam schedule in mind. Over the last few days, several concerns were identified that weren't initially noted by the committee. Therefore, as we transition into next week, the following underclass exam schedule will be administered.

Wednesday, May 23: Underclass Finals: Open Campus for students- Show up only for your exams Office Hours: Teachers will be in their rooms to assist students 2nd Period Exam: 9:20-11:00 AM 4th Period Exam: 11:05 AM-12:45 PM 6th Period Exam: 12:50-2:30 PM Make-up Exams: 11:40 AM -2:30 PM Chromebook Collection

Chromebook Collection

During the days ofMay 22-24th (Grades 9-11), students will need to turn-in their Chromebooks & Chargers in the Learning Center (Room 1). School Fees may be accessed according to the condition of your device or failure to return a charger. Any parent interested in assisting us in this important task may contact Douglas Higham, douglas.higham@chardonschools.org. We would appreciate any parent assistance just like last Spring and this past Fall.

The following times will be allotted:May 22-24, 2018 (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM) Underclassmen (9-11) Collection

The task includes:

Report to the Learning Center when your last exam is completed to return the Chromebooks.

Students clean with wipes provided, dry, power on/off the devices.

Staff will access the Chromebooks for damage, etc. and document any device in need of repair.

What Do Students Need To Know?

Bring in your Chromebook charged.

Enter from the front entrance and head to the Learning Center (Room 1).

At the 1st station, assistants will verify Chromebooks and the student will clean/ dry the device/ place chargers in ziplock

Parents will verify the Chromebook/ Assess the machine for damage/ and place it in the proper bin

If there are any fees, they will need to be paid prior to graduation practice.

Exit the doors on the northeast corner of the Media Center.

Leadership Summit

The deadline (May 25th, 2018) for enrolling in the 2019 London & Global Student Leadership Summit is rapidly approaching.

This 10-day journey takes your student-leader from the amazing streets of London to the mountains of Switzerland for a collaborative experience with international students and global leaders & thinkers. This is a unique opportunity for our CHS students! It has the potential to set your student apart from all others in the college and career application process, along with CHS and college credit available.

Announcements Crew Outtakes

Final Reflection

This is the last regular edition of the Week in Reflection. After an 18 hour day, I need to close this reflection with my heartfelt gratitude for your support this year. This job has no set hours. I am grateful for those that read the week from my perspective and will continue to find ways to communicate all of the great things that we accomlplish each day at CHS.

​If you choose to print the entire year, you will notice over 300 pages of my passion, love, and commitment to the students and staff at Chardon High School.​Enjoy the summer. Enjoy the simple things in life. Laugh a little, Live in the moment, and Be YOU. I will put together a Graduation Edition after Memorial Day.

Stay tuned for details coming from my office this Summer. Leadership doesn't take a day off. Blessings to you and yours.

Douglas Murray, Principal

Robert Mizen

5/18/2018 07:53:05 am

Doug,
the high school is extremely lucky to have such an amazing leader. In the last 5 years YOU have steered our school in a very positive direction. Your Core Values have given the students, staff, and community a direction and purpose. No one will every be able to thank you enough for your selfless service to our school and community. THANK YOU!

josh leikala

5/18/2018 08:53:37 am

Thanks Doug for all of your hard work and leadership. This has been the best year I've ever had teaching at CHS in my now 20 years. Your leadership, and that of all of the administration and office staff, has gone above and beyond. As a staff, we need to all begin to have the growth mindset (see what I did there?) that our leadership has. We should all live by the core values that have been so well modeled and presented. I am so very excited to call CHS my home, but even more proud to call you my leader.

Karen Beran

5/18/2018 09:40:49 am

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Amanda Bunker

5/18/2018 09:43:59 am

Thanks for your wonderful leadership this year! The weekly reflections have been wonderful. You always provide important information for the students, parents and staff in your reflections. I also love how you share the wonderful experiences and accomplishments of the students for all to see as well! Have a wonderful summer and I look forward to another great year with the great staff here at Chardon High School.
:)

Dawn Weaver

5/18/2018 10:10:05 am

Thank you for a chronicling great year. Blessings to YOU and YOURS!

Jill Carpenter

5/18/2018 10:34:04 am

Thanks for a great school year and guidance throughout all of this year's and next year's changes. I hope you have a great and relaxing summer.

Lisa Tekavec

5/18/2018 11:29:19 am

Thank you for taking the time to write these wonderful reflections! I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness involved in preparing these and other communications that I view as above and beyond! Have a great summer!

Marilyn Rohr

5/19/2018 09:28:18 am

I am grateful to know that compassion is the overwhelming attribute of Doug Murray, and that our administrative team has labored all year to meet the challenges of this year, and prepare for those of the upcoming reconfiguration. Thank you for all the hard work.